A microscope shot of the animals from the workshop

UCW Animal Students Study Life in Extreme Environments


04/12/2024

Students on UCW’s Animal Conservation, Behaviour and Welfare course enjoyed an unforgettable session this week all about animals that can survive in extreme environments. Students collected moss from just outside the classroom, added a single drop of water, and were able to discover three different species of tardigrades using microscopes. 

The tardigrades, also known as “moss piglets” or “water bears” are capable of surviving extreme conditions such as the vacuum of space and temperatures from -270°C to 150°C, making them the perfect focus for this practical activity. 

Seeing these near-indestructible creatures brought the study of environmental extremes to life in an exciting and accessible way. Feedback from students was very positive, with many saying it was one of the best sessions of their degree! 

To find out more about our Animal Conservation, Behaviour and Welfare degree, click here. To find out more about all of our Animal, Environment and Biological Studies courses, click here. 

 

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